Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Sinn Féin Chairperson Mary Lou
McDonald MEP speaking in Dublin as Sinn Féin began a national
Day-of-Action highlighting the crisis in healthcare provision on the
island said ‘The issue of health goes to the very core of our
society, to the values and principles that make us who we are. We
believe that healthcare is a right and should not depend on your ability
to pay or where you live. We will be bringing this campaign to every
county in Ireland in the coming months and will be making it a priority in
the run up to the next election.’ More than 50 protests will
take place across the island today.

Ms McDonald said:

“Access to decent healthcare is one
of the biggest issues facing people today. We have just come through
one of the worst winters in recent years for Accident and Emergency units
with up to 490 people per day waiting on trolleys and chairs at its worst.

“All across Ireland today,
Sinn Féin activists and supporters are taking part in a Day-of-Action to
highlight the crisis in healthcare provision on the island. Beginning in Dublin
this morning more than 50 protests will take place throughout the day from
Donegal to Kerry, from Wexford to Dungannon.

"Sinn Féin's message is very
straightforward. We believe that healthcare is a right, which should
be provided on the basis of need alone and not depend on your ability to
pay or where you live. We are totally opposed to the grossly unequal, two
tier system being pursued by this government where those who can afford it
can get the best care quickly.

“We believe that health spending
should go into public services not private health care. We believe that
tax breaks to developers of private hospitals should end. We believe that
subsidies to private healthcare should stop immediately. Sinn Féin would
make this a priority in government.

”Today’s
Day-of-Action is part of a wider campaign which will include meeting
with health workers and unions to discuss the proposals set out in our
health document ‘Healthcare in an Ireland of equals’, public meetings and
the distribution of hundreds of thousands of newsletters, leaflets and
posters. This campaign will be brought to every county and will
form a central part of Sinn Féin’s campaign in the run up to the next
election.

"The issue of health
goes to the very core of our society, to the values and principles that
make us who we are. This state can afford to improve dramatically the
provision of healthcare delivery to every man, women and child. But it
is clear that that will only be achieved if we have a change of
direction from this government or a change of government.

“We share people’s anger about the
health service. But anger is not enough. We are callin on
people to campaign and demand decent, equitable and efficient services. We
are asking people to join with us in making this a reality.”ENDS

TIPPERARY - Thurles: Distribution of
leaflets in town centre, 1-2pm. Nenagh: Distribution of leaflets in town
centre, 1-2pm. Clonmel: Picket in town centre at 1pm “Upgrade health
services in south Tipperary”

CLARE - Ennis: Distribution of
leaflets in town centre, 1-2pm. Shannon: Distribution of leaflets in town
centre, 1-2pm.